More of Budapest
After visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral, we realized that the area where the Intecontinental Hotel and the Sofitel by the Danube River was not so far away. It fact, we reached the posh hotel area just a few minutes after leaving the cathedral. On the way, we passed by some upscale restaurants like the one below.
We really liked this sign made of faux grass. I believe that's what it was.
We also saw this statue of a cute Hungarian gentleman with a big belly. It was obvious by the sheen on this guy's belly that people have been rubbing their hands against it most probably for good luck. I must say, what I was expecting to be a horrible and absolutely dreadful Budapest vacation turned out to be very pleasant and safe one. I was enjoying myself tremendously at this point of our stay.
This was the street sign we saw right around the area where we were.
This is a view of the Hungarian Parliament. If it looks different here, that's because it is the side which doesn't face the Danube River. It does look just like another medieval building from this shoot. But wait, the view by the river is simply spectacular making it one of the world's most majestic buildings in the world.
In front of the Hungarian Parliament
This is by far my most favorite view of the Hungarian Parliament.
The monument of Lajos Kossuth stood in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Lajos Kossuth was the man responsible for the 1848 Hungarian War of Independence from the Hapsburgs. He was unfortunately not successful in his attempt.
A closer view of the monument dedicated to Lajos Kossuth in front of the Hungarian Parliement
In front of the monument of Lajos Kossuth
Right across the Parliament Building was the Museum of Ethnography
Thank goodness to this red banner wrapped around one of the columns on the facade of the Museum of Ethnography, I would have had a harder time labeling this picture had it not been there. After a three week trip to six countries in Central and Eastern Europe last July and after having visited so many museums, it did get very confusing given the fact that many of the buildings built within the same period share so many similarities and often look the same. One good example alone is the absolute likeness of the Museums of Fine Arts and the Kuntshalle in Budapest. These two look exactly the same and often confuses its respective visitors.
Back at the Chain Bridge with the Buda side of the Hungarian capital in the background. This bridge is so very close to the Parliament Building. Just few steps away, literally.